Connecticut Construction Bidding Guide 2025: State & Municipal Contracts
Complete guide to finding construction bids in Connecticut. Learn about DAS procurement, contractor licensing, prevailing wage rules, and winning public works contracts.
Connecticut Construction Market Overview
Connecticut offers a robust public construction market driven by infrastructure modernization, educational facilities, and healthcare construction. The state has strong prevailing wage requirements and active small business set-aside programs.
Key Construction Sectors
- Transportation: I-95 corridor, rail, and bridge projects
- Education: School construction grants, university facilities
- Healthcare: Hospital expansions, medical centers
- Municipal: Town and city infrastructure
- Defense: Electric Boat, military installations
Procurement Portals
State Contracting Portal (BizNet)
The Department of Administrative Services manages state procurement through BizNet.
- • Portal: biznet.ct.gov
- • Registration: Required for state contracts
- • Cost: Free
- • Coverage: All state agencies
DCS Construction Services
Department of Construction Services handles major state building projects.
- • Prequalification required for projects over $500,000
- • Separate bidding process from general procurement
- • Focus on state building construction and renovation
Connecticut DOT
CT DOT posts highway, bridge, and transportation construction projects through their letting schedule. Prequalification required for highway work.
Contractor Licensing
Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Connecticut requires registration for home improvement contractors. Commercial contractors face different requirements depending on the trade.
Licensed Trades:
- • Electrical contractors (E-1, E-2, L-5, L-6)
- • Plumbing contractors (P-1, P-2)
- • HVAC contractors (S-1, S-2)
- • Solar contractors
General Requirements:
- • Home improvement registration
- • Insurance requirements
- • Workers' comp coverage
- • Local permits as required
Prequalification Requirements
State construction projects over $500,000 require prequalification through DCS. Submit financial statements, experience documentation, and insurance certificates.
Major Contracting Agencies
| Agency | Project Types | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| CT DOT | Highways, bridges, rail | $800M+ |
| DCS | State buildings | $500M+ |
| UConn | Campus facilities | $200M+ |
| School Construction Grants | K-12 schools | $300M+ |
| Metropolitan Districts | Water, sewer, utilities | $150M+ |
Prevailing Wage Requirements
Connecticut Prevailing Wage Law
Connecticut has strong prevailing wage requirements on public construction:
- • State Projects: Required on all state-funded construction
- • Municipal Projects: Required on projects over $400,000
- • Wage Rates: Set by CT Department of Labor
- • Enforcement: Certified payroll required weekly
Connecticut's prevailing wages are among the highest in the nation due to strong union presence and high cost of living.
Small Business Set-Aside Programs
SBE/MBE Programs
Connecticut has aggressive small and minority business participation goals:
Certification Process
Apply through the Department of Administrative Services Supplier Diversity Program. Certification helps access set-aside contracts and subcontracting opportunities.
Tips for Winning Connecticut Contracts
1. Get SBE Certified
The 25% SBE goal creates significant opportunities. Certification opens doors to set-aside contracts and subcontracting requirements on larger projects.
2. Complete DCS Prequalification
Prequalification is essential for state building projects. Submit complete documentation and keep it current to access larger opportunities.
3. Monitor Municipal Bidding
Connecticut's 169 towns and cities bid separately. Track opportunities across municipalities for smaller, accessible projects.
4. Understand Prevailing Wage
Accurate prevailing wage calculations are essential. Factor in fringe benefits, apprenticeship requirements, and certified payroll compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a contractor license in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires home improvement contractor registration and licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Commercial general contractors may not need a state license but must meet insurance and prequalification requirements for public work.
What is the prevailing wage threshold?
Prevailing wages apply to all state-funded construction regardless of amount. Municipal projects trigger prevailing wage at $400,000 for new construction and $100,000 for renovation.
How do I get prequalified for state work?
Submit a prequalification application to DCS including audited financial statements, experience documentation, safety records, and insurance certificates.
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